Businesses collecting 'Coats for Kids' Oct. 14

October 08, 2010|By Lorene Parshall, Staff Writer

GAYLORD — ”The need is so great this year,” said Rosie Warner, event coordinator, referring to the 2010 “Coats for Kids” drive, which supplies warm winter outerwear to low-income Otsego County residents. “The need is just so great.”

This year’s collection of new and gently used coats for kids and their families will take place in the Kmart parking lot, 1151 S. Otsego Ave., Thursday, Oct. 14, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Also needed is winter outerwear such as boots, hats, gloves and scarves.

Coats for Kids has been sponsored by Maier & Associates Financial Group of Gaylord for the last six years. The company is again offering matching funds for up to $5,000. Other children’s programs supported by the company are Toys for Tots and Just for Kids.

“Our company has a history of supporting programs for children; we’re very family-oriented,” said Stan Dombrowski. “We’re inviting every community member to come out and make us match their donations coat-for-coat.”

Dombrowski first became involved in the coat program when he opened the Gaylord office and realized that the coat drive needed to be revitalized. With the help of his assistant, Katie Lorence, and local radio personalities, along with the owners of Gobblers Restaurant and Total Power Sports, Dombrowski brought the program back to life.

“Total Power Sports, which provides a big trailer for the collected coats, has changed hands, but the new owner still supports us,” Dombrowski said. “BJs restaurant donates a tent every year. Eagle 101.5 will be there and Big Bear Deli provides free doughnuts and coffee to the volunteers.”

The volunteers who help with the collection and distribution are supplied by the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP). The collected winter clothing will be distributed under the coordination of Ron Chavey of the Salvation Army.

Anyone needing winter outerwear for their families must obtain a voucher first from United Way (UW). Starting Monday, Oct. 11, the vouchers will be available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. UW is located at 116 E. Fifth St.

The Coat Store will be located at 104 W. Main St., next to Alley Cat Beads. It will be open every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon on Oct. 19 and 26; and Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 23. It will be open every Thursday from 1-6 p.m. Oct. 21 and 28; and Nov. 4, 11 and 18.

For more information about the Coats for Kids program, call RSVP at 732-6232. Contact Lorene Parshall at 732-1111 or lorene@gaylordheraldtimes.com